The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has warned that no pharmacy will be spared if found selling medicines at prices higher than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
In a statement, the agency said that strict action — including fines and cancellation of trade licenses — will be taken against pharmacies caught overpricing medicines during market inspections.
The warning comes following reports that some pharmacies around Dhaka’s National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and other hospitals were charging exorbitant prices for medicines and selling expired surgical items, taking advantage of the distress of relatives of burn victims from Monday’s tragic plane crash involving students of Milestone School and College in Uttara.
Acting promptly after media reports, the DNCRP launched raids on Tuesday morning at several hospital-linked pharmacies in the capital, including those near the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
The drives were led by DNCRP Assistant Directors Md Abdul Jabbar Mondal and Shikdar Shahinur Alam.
During the operation, three pharmacies in front of the burn institute were fined a total of Tk 25,000 — Tk 5,000 to Upasham Medical Hall, Tk 10,000 to Fatema Pharmacy, and Tk 10,000 to Medicine Corner.
Officials found that some pharmacies were selling expired medicines, failing to issue proper cash memos, charging arbitrary prices for drugs without printed MRPs, and behaving rudely with consumers seeking refunds. Evidence was also found of pharmacies secretly manipulating bills to pocket extra commissions.
“If anyone sells medicines above the printed MRP, consumers can immediately call the hotline 16121 to lodge complaints, and we will take prompt action,” said the DNCRP in a statement.
Assistant Director Abdul Jabbar Mondal said, “Medicines are directly linked to saving lives, and even the slightest irregularity is unacceptable. Some pharmacies exploit patients’ families by selling drugs at inflated prices, which is a serious offense. Such malpractice will not be tolerated.”
He added that the fined pharmacies have been warned, and any repeat violations will result in tougher legal actions.
The DNCRP also reminded pharmacy owners to ensure that all medicines are sold strictly at the MRP, to check expiry dates, maintain proper storage, and keep updated business licenses and documentation.
According to the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, selling products above the fixed retail price is a punishable offense and can lead to fines, seizure of goods, and cancellation of business licenses.
